Returning to the Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre, Expressions showcases the exciting new work of inclusive dance groups from across Yorkshire and beyond. Celebrating the talents of disabled dancers, this is the only event of its kind in Leeds.

For over 10 years, Expressions has been bringing community groups and companies together to perform on a professional stage, all in the spirit of celebrating inclusive dance. Over two days, this festival will feature a variety of performances across four timeslots.

Embark on a journey of artistic mastery with our professional-level contemporary dance class, designed to challenge and inspire seasoned dancers while welcoming those with intermediate experience seeking to elevate their craft. Rooted in the fluidity of Cunningham technique, our sessions seamlessly integrate diverse influences, reflecting a fusion of tradition and personal insight.

Under the careful guidance of Louise, during this workshop your skills will be developed to enable you to create more complex designs, improve your techniques and explore more unusual materials such as paper, balsa wood and different fabrics.

Beginner/Improver Level Contemporary Dance Class

Embark on a journey of movement and expression with our dynamic contemporary dance class, tailored for beginners and improvers alike. Rooted in the fluidity of Cunningham technique, our sessions weave in diverse influences, reflecting both tradition and personal insight. Expect a fusion of technical precision, spirited expression, and an invigorating pace charged with performance energy.

In this session led by professional textile artist Louise, you will bring a favourite piece of text – a quote, saying, extract from a book, letter, email, poem or similar as a starting point to create a piece of unique textile art.

Firstly, you’ll learn different methods to translate writing into hand embroidery – including how to exactly copy handwriting of others, which is an excellent way to create a treasured keepsake.

Embroidery doesn't just have to be on a fabric base - many other materials can be used instead, adding a new and exciting dimension to embroidered artwork.

The morning will be spent with Louise exploring each of the intriguing and unusual materials thoroughly – what the limitations and possibilities are, the more practical skills of embroidering directly into these materials and how to combine them with other materials and fabric.

You’ll create a series of small samples to refer back to and inspire future textile work.

Under the careful guidance of Louise, you will be creating artful embroidery on beautifully hand dyed fabrics created exclusively in her studio.

Using a combination of slow stitch and embroidery sampler stitching styles. You'll begin the workshop by learning a selection of hand embroidery stitches that make up the back bone of all other embroidery stitches - both how to embroider these traditionally and then altering them to make new and interesting effects. You'll embroider away with new stitches being taught as needed.

Composer Emily Levy and Writer-Director Mella Faye present an unflinching, heartfelt and uplifting exploration of love, loss and survival.

Music, dance and recorded interviews from conversations across the UK are richly layered by a world class ensemble of musicians, dancers and actors to create an extraordinary elegy to the power of story and human connection. Me Without You celebrates those we’ve lost and those of us who are still here.